AMESBURY (CBS) - A spokesperson for the State Department of Transportation says work will now resume work on a $300 million bridge project that was suddenly halted this week.
Officials stopped work on the aging Whittier Bridge between Amesbury and Newburyport on I-95 after someone on the work crew wrote a taunting graffiti message across a steel beam.
"Welcome to Fallujah baby!" it said. It was directed to a nearby homeowner who had complained to the local newspaper, the Daily News. Scott Taylor said the noise and 24-hour lights are ruining his family's quality of life.
"This is Amesbury, not Fallujah," he was quoted as saying. Days later, the graffiti message showed up on a beam just feet from his kitchen window.
"My immediate reaction was complete and utter amazement that somebody could be so stupid," said Taylor.
The DOT immediately ordered a freeze on the project Thursday. A statement said, "MassDOT expects the same standard of behavior and professionalism from its contractors that it expects from its own employees."
Late Friday afternoon, a spokesperson told WBZ state officials reached an agreement with the construction company Walsh-McCourt. The company is enacting a new written anti-harassment policy, and may start using cameras at work sites to discourage inappropriate behavior.
MORE LOCAL NEWS FROM CBS BOSTON
Contractor Taunts Amesbury Homeowner After 'Fallujah' Comments
/ CBS Boston
AMESBURY (CBS) - A spokesperson for the State Department of Transportation says work will now resume work on a $300 million bridge project that was suddenly halted this week.
Officials stopped work on the aging Whittier Bridge between Amesbury and Newburyport on I-95 after someone on the work crew wrote a taunting graffiti message across a steel beam.
"Welcome to Fallujah baby!" it said. It was directed to a nearby homeowner who had complained to the local newspaper, the Daily News. Scott Taylor said the noise and 24-hour lights are ruining his family's quality of life.
"This is Amesbury, not Fallujah," he was quoted as saying. Days later, the graffiti message showed up on a beam just feet from his kitchen window.
"My immediate reaction was complete and utter amazement that somebody could be so stupid," said Taylor.
The DOT immediately ordered a freeze on the project Thursday. A statement said, "MassDOT expects the same standard of behavior and professionalism from its contractors that it expects from its own employees."
Late Friday afternoon, a spokesperson told WBZ state officials reached an agreement with the construction company Walsh-McCourt. The company is enacting a new written anti-harassment policy, and may start using cameras at work sites to discourage inappropriate behavior.
MORE LOCAL NEWS FROM CBS BOSTON
In:
Featured Local Savings
CBS News Boston
Light pole crashes to ground, nearly hits SUV in Lincoln Park
Railroad crossing reopens after passenger train catches fire in Watauga, officials say
One critically injured after Texas DPS pursuit ends in crash on I-30 in Fort Worth, authorities say
Bus shuttles to briefly replace RTD G line west of Denver
Firefighters extinguish electrical fire at Ranch View Middle School
Dallas seeks $443 million for public safety facilities, including police evidence room
American Airlines plane blows tire landing at O'Hare Airport
Baltimore mayor calls police meeting after 5 killed in shootings in less than 48 hours